Saint Augustine is a location I’ve desired to go to for a really very long time. The primary time I heard about this metropolis was years in the past whereas I used to be in faculty, it was the place the school began earlier than it moved to Miami Florida. I made a decision I used to be going to take the journey this 12 months and so I did. I began out looking for rooms for five nights however costs have been including up and I began to surprise if there would even be sufficient for me to do in St. Augustine for five days. So I made a decision to remain for much less days. Effectively to my shock there was loads of issues to do and see on this historic metropolis. On this article I’ve put collectively a listing of issues you are able to do whereas visiting St. Augustine.
Castillo de San Marcos Nationwide Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos (spanish for St. Marks Fort) is claimed to be the oldest fort of its type in america. This monument has been opened since 1695, yep that lengthy. It was constructed by the Spaniards to guard Florida. It’s open from 9:00 a.m. by way of 5:00 p.m. every day. In case you occur to go when it’s closed like I did you possibly can nonetheless discover the outside, by taking a stroll across the monument, being attentive to the cannons on website, the furnace the place cannons have been heated earlier than being fired or sit down and benefit from the cool ocean breeze. Nonetheless, if you’re interested in what’s inside and wish to be taught extra concerning the Castillo de San Marcos, the price to go in is $15 for ages 16 and older. Kids 15 and underneath are free.
Take a cruise tour
With the cruise excursions you could have choices. There may be ‘Scenic Cruise’ that takes you out sight seeing on a type of double decker boats, this tour final about 90 minutes, you possibly can see locations like Anastasia Island, the lighthouse, the good cross and environment. You should purchase drinks and snacks aboard the Scenic Cruise sightseeing excursions. The present costs are $20.75 for adults, $9.75 for youngsters, and $17.50 for seniors.
Then there’s additionally the Black Raven pirate cruises the place you possibly can take the entire household for an journey. The pirate cruises provides actions onboard equivalent to treasure hunt, jokes, sword fights between the pirates, and extra. In addition they provide a Rum Runner cruise however this one is for adults solely 😉. The treasure hunt cruises are $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for youngsters ages 3-12, $9.95 youngsters 2 and underneath, and it’s also possible to get the household pack for two adults and a couple of youngsters at $107.85. The rum runner cruise is $29.95. You will need to carry ID for the rum runner cruise, it is just on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:15 p.m.
Flagler School
Flagler faculty is a should see. The previous resort turned faculty has a spectacular structure, very interesting to the attention. Atleast it was to my eyes 😀. Flagler School is at the moment a Liberal Arts School situated in historic downtown St. Agustine. It was previously the Ponce de Leon resort constructed by Henry Flagler in 1888. The resort was visited by well-known people equivalent to Ernest Hemmingway and John F Kennedy (nicely he was 13 on the time not but president). In 1968 the resort turned Flagler School.
Lightner Museum
Are you an Artwork Buff, if that’s the case then the Lightner Museum is a should see. Earlier than it was the Lightner Museum it was the Alcazar Lodge, additionally accomplished in 1888 by Henry Flagler. At first it was to be an extension of Flagler’s different resort the Ponce de Leon, however as an alternative was constructed as an impartial constructing. The resort was closed in 1931 and was purchased by Otto Lightner in 1947, who turned it right into a museum. At this museum you’ll expertise historical past within the type of artwork as you might be taken again centuries by the collections. You’ll be amazed at what you can find right here.
Ripley’s Consider it or not
Get able to discover three tales of the unbelievable at Ripley’s Consider It or Not in St. Augustine, Florida. Right here you can find photos of extraordinary issues and the tales behind them. For instance, the lip disk girl and why it’s carried out in sure cultures or Robert Wadlow the tallest man to ever stay.
Ripley’s Consider It or Not’s historical past goes again so far as 1918. In December of that 12 months the primary Ripley’s Consider It or Not cartoon was revealed, then in 1922 Robert Ripley the founder determined to journey world wide. He traveled by way of nations equivalent to Bali, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Asia, simply to call just a few. In 1929 the primary Ripley’s Consider it or not guide was revealed. Within the Thirties the primary radio present aired. One of many exhibits was aired 750 toes underground and one other Underwater, then from the Grand Canyon. He went on to publishing extra books. Later in 1933 the primary odditorium was opened in Chicago containing distinctive artifacts that Ripley collected on his world journeys.
Ripley died in 1949 and the primary Museum was opened in Saint Augustine the next 12 months on the Fort Warden which was previously a resort.
The Previous Jail
Attempt to not let the 6ft 6 inches tall 300lbs sheriff Joe Perry catch you on the The outdated jail in St. Augustine. The inmates (not likely) offers you a tour of the jail constructed by Henry Flagler. It is possible for you to hear the story behind the jail that Flagler constructed to appear to be a resort and guests would go there knocking on the door hoping to get a room for the night time, solely to seek out out that it’s not the kind of resort they have been hoping for. It is possible for you to to see the cells and even wax photos of prisoners contained in the cells, in addition to weapons used throughout that point.
Potter’s Wax Museum
In 1949 George E. Potter made the choice to open America’s very first wax museum in St. Augustine. The thought behind the museum was to show historical past. 90% of the figures are from Potter’s authentic assortment. The figures are so life-like it was a bit spooky. lol. You will discover previous presidents and their wives, in addition to well-known composers, Michael Jordan, Martin Luther and even some ghastly ones just like the Frankenstein Monster. The museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to five p.m. Tickets are $14.16 and kids 4-12 $8.08, youngsters underneath 4 are free.
Whetstone Chocolate Tour
Love chocolate or simply curious what goes into making it? Effectively that is the occasion for you. Henry and Esther Whetstone first began out within the Ice cream enterprise after which later the chocolate enterprise. Throughout this tour you’ll get pleasure from strolling by way of the manufacturing facility and studying about Whetstone’s historical past, whilst you nibble on samples. Excursions can be found every day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and three:30 p.m. at completely different intervals and is $8.95 for adults, $6.50 for youngsters 5-17, and free for youngsters underneath 5.
Gator Bob’s Buying and selling Publish
Inside Gator Bob’s you can find souvenirs, items, and clothes, however there’s extra to it than that. Gator Bob’s additionally has a deli inside and the Previous St. Augustine Museum. As you tour the Previous St. Augustine Museum, see issues like classic vehicles, popcorn machine, and outdated flicker motion pictures.
Watch a Magic Present
Expertise magic in historic St. Augustine by stopping in at one of many magic exhibits. Simply on the nook of Hypolita and St. George road you can find Theatre Magic. the price is $10 per individual and the present final half-hour. It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Fountain of Youth
The Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth is an archeological park in Saint Augustine that showcases America’s colonial historical past. No there isn’t a miracle water that can make you keep younger endlessly, however there are just a few fountains within the park and particularly Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Everlasting Hope the place you possibly can take a sip. On the Fountain of Youth you can find details about the Timicuan Indians that occupied the world and there lifestyle. See an precise burying floor, go inside huts, and even take a step inside a church. Additionally, you will discover stunning Indian peacocks (they scream so much). There are shows just like the blacksmith presentation, the planetarium, and the cannon present. You can too climb the statement tower or take a stroll on the boardwalk whereas there.
The Saint Augustine Distillery
Situated on the ice plant on Riberia road the St. Augustine Distillery provides excursions so you possibly can see how the liquors are made, find out about several types of liquors and even learn to make particular cocktails. Excursions can be found every day from 10:30 a.m. to five:30 p.m. and they’re free.
Alligator Farm
Alligator farm is likely one of the oldest sights in St. Augustine. The park was based in 1893. Right here it is possible for you to to view completely different species of crocodiles however not solely that, there are additionally different animals there like birds, lemurs and snakes. You can too go ziplining by way of the park and revel in wildlife exhibits just like the scales and tails reptile present. The tickets are $28.99 for adults and $17.99 for youngsters 3-11.
Ghost Excursions
There are such a lot of to select from. Whereas going to the completely different sights to purchase entry tickets, one factor most of them provide is a ghost tour bundle. No surprise as a result of it’s imagine that quite a lot of the buildings in St. Augustine are haunted. Be afraid, very afraid as a tour information takes you on a nightmarish tour of the cities cemeteries and inform you ghost tales concerning the metropolis 😱. There are excursions out there for all ages and a few for adults solely.
Go to the Seashores
Which one ought to I’m going to? 🤔 there are such a lot of to select from. There may be loads of seaside to go round in St. Augustine however plainly Vilano seaside is the most well-liked or busier. There’s a pier there, a marina, and eating places. You possibly can take your canine for a stroll, watch the sundown, take a ship tour, or go fishing. Nonetheless, if you’re searching for someplace a bit extra laid again there’s North Seaside , simply north of Vilano seaside. Don’t neglect your surfboard you possibly in a position to catch a wave or two. There may be free parking out there for the seaside in addition to paid parking.
Take a Guided Trolley Tour
There are two varieties of trolley excursions that that I’ve seen in St. Augustine. There may be the Previous City Trolley and the Purple Practice Excursions. The Previous City Trolley appears to the be hottest of the 2. The excursions are guided so the driving force offers you a background on the completely different sights in addition to the town. It is possible for you to to hop on and off the excursions at no matter cease you select. The stops are numbered and you’ll obtain a map that offers you what’s on the completely different stops.
Regardless that the resort the place I stayed had an indication that confirmed they bought the Purple Practice Excursions within the foyer I opted for the Previous City Trolley excursions after I discovered they provided a shuttle that picks you up and drops you again to the resort. You get reductions on the entry payment to sure sights once you purchase your ticket from the trolley ticket boots.
Strolling Tour
You can too do your personal strolling tour alongside Avenida Mendez or down the again streets like Saint George road, or Aviles Road which is claimed to be the oldest road within the US. You possibly can see cool issues like a lonely musician enjoying her guitar, an artist drawing a portray, or a man with snakes.
Carriage Journey
So possibly you don’t need a trolley tour or perhaps a strolling tour, however how a couple of horse carriage tour round city. It is possible for you to to chill out and take within the metropolis views whereas the coachman offers you a guided tour of the town. These excursions are primarily out there within the evenings. You possibly can select from shared rides, to personal ones, or rides for particular events.
Go to the Dolphin Place
Swim with dolphins at Marine Land dolphin journey. You possibly can go for the swim journey the place you maintain on to the dolphin’s flippers whereas they take you for a experience, or the royal swim wherein the dolphin will raise you up by pushing from the only real of your toes, or simply have an encounter with the dolphins by interacting with them if you’re not a swimmer.
Water Sports activities
That is Florida and right here the ocean is your enjoying discipline. There are fairly just a few locations in St. Augustine that gives boat , kayak, and jetski leases. I’ve additionally seen surfers, having a great time on the waves. Parasailing is one other exercise you could expertise as nicely.
Colonial Quarters
Be entertained with an interactive expertise as you find out about historical past. It is possible for you to to see a blacksmith demonstration, see a cannon fired and climb a 35ft watch tower the place you possibly can overlook Castillo de San Marco and extra of downtown St. Augustine.
Pirate and Treasure Museum
On the pirate treasure museum it is possible for you to to watch and find out about treasures from the Caribbean, really feel like you might be on an precise pirate ship, really feel the vibration as you hear the sounds of cannons hitting your ship, and hunt to seek out treasures hidden away in drawers. It’s an amazing expertise for the entire household. The children will particularly love enjoying with the interactive cannon. It’s situated simply throughout the road from the Castillo de San Marcos. The price for adults is $18.99, $9.99 for youngsters 5-12, and $15.99 for seniors.
World Golf Corridor of Fame and Museum
Situated in World Golf Village, between St. Augustine and Jacksonville, the world golf corridor of fame is the place to be if you’re curious about studying one thing concerning the world of golf or if you’re already a fan. Tickets are $20.95 for adults, youngsters 5-12 $5.00, seniors, Florida residents, and navy personnel $19.95. College students 13 and over with correct id $10.00. There may be an Imax theatre, guests can strive their hand at a gap in problem. Whereas there additionally, you will have the ability to see trophies, and golf sticks that have been used, be taught concerning the corridor of famers, and climb the tower.
Procuring on the Shops
Get discounted costs on identify manufacturers equivalent to Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, Carters, Coach, and Clarks on the St. Augustine Shops. They’re situated simply off the I-95. Sadly those on the east facet of the I-95 are at the moment closed aside from Loft. A consultant at Loft mentioned that the Shops on that facet have been closed for renovation of the constructing.
Anastasia State Park
Benefit from the stunning white sand seaside at Anastasia State Park. Watch as boaters dock alongside the shore and revel in all that’s right here to do. Beaching shouldn’t be the one factor you are able to do right here although, it’s also possible to hen watch, camp in any of the 139 camps out there, go climbing, experience a motorcycle alongside the 4 miles of seaside. Lease a kayak or canoe from contained in the park and get to paddling. There may be simply a lot you are able to do right here.
Torture Museum
Whereas in St. Augustine you may additionally wish to try the torture museum, nicely that’s if you’re into that kind of stuff. See how folks have been tortured in occasions previous. Study skinning, witch interrogation, hand torture, neck entice, and extra.
Saint Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
I virtually forgot this one and the way might I. The lighthouse is a really important a part of Florida’s historical past. Situated on Anastasia Island, the lighthouse was constructed across the identical time because the Castillo de San Marcos to be careful for enemy ships. Probably the most standard occasions on the St. Augustine lighthouse is to climb the 219 stairs to the highest of the tower, nevertheless, the tower is at the moment underneath restoration. Don’t fear there are different issues there to do just like the ghost tour, the maritime hammock scavenger hunt, and having fun with the every day demos.
Plaza de la Constitucion
Plaza de la Constitucion or Metropolis Plaza is a park situated in downtown St. Augstine, simply throughout the road from the Bridge of Lions and the Authorities Home to the west. As you stroll by way of the park you’ll discover outdated cannons and examine historic occasions. The park has been part of St. Augustine since 1573. Traditionally this was the place occasions equivalent to public auctions the place held. Right now it’s the place public occasions are held like the general public market and concert events, nevertheless it’s additionally an amazing place to chill out and take some images.
I attempted to place collectively as a lot actions to do in St. Augustine and I’m certain there are some issues lacking from this listing. There are different museums to go to in Saint Augustine just like the Previous Faculty, the Oldest Home and even the Civil Rights memorial website. At Previous City, cease primary for the Previous City Trolley there are fairly just a few locations to go to, just like the Oldest Retailer museum, the Spice and Tea alternate and another locations that I discussed above.
Many of the actions are situated in downtown Saint Augustine. The parking there’s paid parking and a few will be fairly expensive, so here’s a tip strive searching for a spot to park on the again streets as an alternative of on the principle.
I do know you should have a good time visiting this stunning metropolis. Don’t hesitate to put in writing within the feedback a few of your experiences that you’ve in Saint Augustine.